by Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) · DOST-accredited State Universities and Colleges (SUC) or private Higher Education Institutions (HEI) recognized as Centers of Excellence (COE) or Centers of Development (COD)
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
🏆 Fully Funded🟩 Active🎓 Undergraduate🌍 Philippines📌 Government Merit-Based
Approximately PHP 120,000 per year plus tuition fees
Duration
Duration of the degree program (4-5 years)
Deadline
December 31 (Varies annually)
Level
Undergraduate
Acceptance
Approximately 10-15%
Difficulty
Hard
Quick Summary
Aimed at incoming first-year college students, DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for study in Philippines. The award covers Covers tuition fees, monthly living allowance, annual book allowance, group insurance, travel reimbursement for out-of-province students, and a one-time clothing and graduation allowance. and is open to undergraduate students studying priority science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (stem) courses. The scholarship runs for duration of the degree program (4-5 years) and may be renewed annually based on academic performance. Eligibility is generally based on high-performing Filipino high school seniors intending to pursue priority STEM degrees at accredited Philippine universities. The application deadline is December 31 (Varies annually), with an acceptance rate of approximately Approximately 10-15%. Students can compare this opportunity against similar scholarships below to find the best fit for their profile.
✨ Should I Apply for DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
13%
Win Probability
8/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
40-60 hrs
Time Required
Low
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Approximately PHP 120,000 per year plus tuition fees
⏳
Duration
Duration of the degree program (4-5 years)
📅
Deadline
December 31 (Varies annually)
🔬
Fields
Priority Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses
🏆
Awards/Year
Varies (Approximately 10,000 slots across all DOST undergraduate programs)
🌏
Study Country
Philippines
🏛️
Provider
Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI)
📊
Acceptance
Approximately 10-15%
The DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship is a prestigious national program awarded to students with high aptitude in science and mathematics. It aims to develop a pool of highly qualified scientists and engineers who will lead the country's research and development efforts. Scholars are required to serve in the Philippines after graduation for a period equivalent to the length of time they enjoyed the scholarship.
👥 Who Should Apply
High-performing Filipino high school seniors intending to pursue priority STEM degrees at accredited Philippine universities.
🏛️ Host University
DOST-accredited State Universities and Colleges (SUC) or private Higher Education Institutions (HEI) recognized as Centers of Excellence (COE) or Centers of Development (COD)
🤝 Sponsor
Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
🔬 Fields of Study
Priority Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses
✨ Key Benefits
Covers tuition fees, monthly living allowance, annual book allowance, group insurance, travel reimbursement for out-of-province students, and a one-time clothing and graduation allowance.
Actual tuition and other school fees not to exceed PHP 40,000 per academic year
Living Stipend
PHP 7,000 per month
Total Award
Approximately PHP 120,000 per year plus tuition fees
✈️ Travel: PHP 1,000 per year (economy round-trip fare for those studying outside their home province)🏠 Accommodation: Included in the monthly living stipend💊 Health Insurance: Group accident insurance included🔄 Renewable: Yes💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Actual tuition and other school fees not to exceed PHP 40,000 per academic year
🏠 Living Stipend
PHP 7,000 per month
🏡 Accommodation
Included in the monthly living stipend
✈️ Travel Allowance
PHP 1,000 per year (economy round-trip fare for those studying outside their home province)
💊 Health Insurance
Group accident insurance included
🎁 Other Benefits
Book allowance of PHP 10,000 per year, PHP 1,000 clothing allowance (first semester of first year), PHP 10,000 thesis allowance, and PHP 5,000 graduation allowance
🔄 Renewable
Yes
📋 Renewal Conditions
Must maintain a general weighted average (GWA) required by the SEI and pass all subjects in the priority course curriculum each semester.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Natural-born Filipino citizen; Graduating high school student in the STEM strand, or top 5% of the non-STEM graduating class; Must not have earned any post-secondary units.
🎓 Academic Level
Undergraduate
📊 Minimum GPA
Must maintain at least an 85% average or its equivalent
🗣️ English Requirement
Check website
🍢 Age Limit
None, but must be a graduating high school senior or high school graduate who has not yet entered college
💼 Work Experience
Not required
🏆 Leadership
Not required
💰 Financial Need
Not required for the Merit Category (strictly based on examination performance and academic record)
🎯 Target Students
Incoming First-Year College Students
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
No
Rec Letters
Yes (Certificate of Good Moral Character and Health)
Interview
No
Application Fee
Free
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes (Certificate of Good Moral Character and Health) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Interview: No
Min GPA: Must maintain at least an 85% average or its equivalent
📋 Application Process
Focus on reviewing high school mathematics (Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus) and Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics). Practice logical reasoning and abstract thinking as these are major components of the DOST-SEI Qualifying Exam.
💡 Insider Tip: Ensure all documentary requirements, including the Certificate of Residency and Principal's Certification, are digitised early for the online portal to avoid last-minute technical issues.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
September (Varies annually)
⏰ Deadline
December 31 (Varies annually)
🎤 Interview
No
🎓 Study Starts
August or September
September (Varies annually)
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
December 31 (Varies annually)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
No
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
August or September
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Performance in the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship Examination and compliance with academic strand requirements.
⚡ Similar Scholarships
Scholarship
Country
Coverage
Level
DOST-SEI Merit ScholarshipCurrent
Philippines
Full Funding
Undergraduate
—
🇯🇵 ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)
Japan, Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, USA
High-performing Filipino high school seniors intending to pursue priority STEM degrees at accredited Philippine universities.
This scholarship covers: Covers tuition fees, monthly living allowance, annual book allowance, group insurance, travel reimbursement for out-of-province students, and a one-time clothing and graduation allowance.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is December 31 (Varies annually). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Low. Acceptance rate: Approximately 10-15%. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
Yes
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Check website, Yes (Certificate of Good Moral Character and Health) recommendation letters, CV. Check official website for the complete list.